First Lady Glenna Fletcher Delivers $1 Million to the City of Bowling Green

Press
Release Date:

June 10, 2004

Contact:

Doug HoganJeannie LauscheJason Keller502-564-2611

The City of Bowling Green proposes to purchase property to develop an affordable housing development.

Frankfort, KY: First Lady Glenna Fletcher presented local leaders today with a ceremonial check of $1million that represents the state’s investment into the Lee Square Housing Project.

The Community Development Block Grant awarded to the city through the Department for Local Government will be used to purchase property for the construction of approximately 20 single family units and 10 town homes.

“The Governor and I are committed to improving the lives of all Kentuckians by restoring hope and opportunity,” said Mrs. Fletcher. “I am excited to be a part of this project that will enable the City of Bowling Green to bring affordable housing to the citizens of this community.”

A housing analysis of the project concluded that there is a significant demand for owner-occupied and renter-occupied subsidized housing in Bowling Green. The City proposes to purchase 11 parcels of land bounded by College and State streets and Third and Second streets, giving the city three-fourths of a block to develop affordable housing. The purchased properties will then be cleared and made available to a qualified developer to construct the new homes.

DLG Commissioner Darrell D. Brock, Jr. said this project is only one small portion of a larger effort to redevelop the neighborhood. He said the city chose the right path in their decision to apply for federal dollars to move the project forward and for the added protection of property owners under the law.

“In addition to acquiring the property, CDBG will assist in relocating displaced persons and businesses. All displaced persons and businesses will be protected by the Uniform Relocation Act (URA), which ensures uniform and equitable treatment during relocation,” said Brock.

The newly-developed homes will be used as a relocation resource for residents that are displaced from elsewhere in the redevelopment area.

These homes will be also be made available to families in the Section 8 Family Self Sufficiency program who are preparing for homeownership.

The remainder of the block is owned by the city and is occupied by a small community center known as Lee Square. The city will develop a neighborhood playground on that property and upgrade the fencing.

The CDBG program is funded with federal dollars by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.